Gang charger, shroud, and dock for portable electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retail environment is provided. The anti-theft device includes a shroud configured to at least partially receive and engage a portable electronic device. The anti-theft device also includes a dock configured to releasably engage the shroud. The dock is configured to engage the shroud in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock and to disengage the shroud in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the shroud and the portable electronic device to be removed from the dock.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/510,929, filed on Mar. 13, 2017, which is a 371 National Phase Entryof International Application No. PCT/US2016/054412, filed on Sep. 29,2016, which claims the benefit to priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/234,730 filed on Sep. 30, 2015, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/278,786 filed on Jan. 14, 2016, the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to anti-theftdevices, systems, gang chargers, docks, shrouds, and methods forprotecting portable electronic devices from theft.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A recent trend in work and retail store environments is to use smartdevices, sometimes cellphones, but more often tablets, as customerservice devices. This usage takes on two forms. One form is using atablet as a kiosk where customers can interact with the device. This maybe used to deliver information about the establishment or its productsto the consumer, or to act as an interface for customer loyalty programsin lieu of plastic cards. A second usage is for retail store associatesto carry such a device around the store to assist customers. Theassociate may use the device to display a layout of the store to show acustomer where an item is, check on a price of an item, or accessinformation regarding a product the customer is buying. In some stores,tablets are being used to check-out customers. Restaurants may use smartdevices at a table for ordering or game playing. Hospitals may allowdoctors and nurses to carry smart devices for mobile access to patienthealth charts.

This trend may require the customer, store associate or employee toleave the smart device unattended for a period of time to perform othertasks. Thus, there is a need for an anti-theft device for protecting aportable electronic device from theft, while allowing a sufficient levelof user interaction with the portable electronic device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an anti-theftdevice for securing a portable electronic device from unauthorizedremoval or theft, wherein the anti-theft includes a shroud configured toat least partially receive and engage a portable electronic device; anEMV interface pivotably coupled to the shroud for moving between an openposition and a closed position; and a dock configured to releasablyengage the shroud. The EMV interface is further configured to operablycouple to an EMV reader.

In another embodiment, an anti-theft device for securing a portableelectronic device from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. Theanti-theft device includes a shroud configured to at least partiallyreceive and engage a portable electronic device; an EMV interfaceelectrically coupled to the shroud and configured to operably couple toan EMV reader; and a dock configured to releasably engage the shroud.

According to another embodiment, a method for securing a portableelectronic device from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. Themethod includes positioning a portable electronic device within theshroud; positioning the shroud and the portable electronic device on adock such that the shroud and the portable electronic device are lockedto the dock; and moving an EMV interface coupled to the shroud to anopen position.

In one embodiment, a gang charger for providing power to a plurality ofportable electronic devices is provided. The gang charger includes aplurality of shrouds each configured to at least partially receive andengage one of the plurality of portable electronic devices; a standcomprising a plurality of shelves, each shelf configured to receive andengage one of the plurality of shrouds; and a lock mechanism for lockingeach of the shrouds to a respective shelf.

In another embodiment, a method for providing power to a plurality ofportable electronic devices is provided. The method includes insertingeach of the plurality of portable electronic devices into engagementwith a respective shroud; and positioning each of the shrouds on arespective shelf such that each of the shrouds locks to a respectiveshelf with a lock mechanism.

In another embodiment, an anti-theft device for securing a portableelectronic device from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. Theanti-theft device includes at least one adapter configured to releasablyengage an input port on a portable electronic device; a shroudconfigured to at least partially receive and engage the portableelectronic device for establishing electrical communication with the atleast one adapter; and a dock configured to releasably engage theshroud, the dock being in electrical communication with the portableelectronic device via the at least one adapter.

In one embodiment, an anti-theft device for securing a portableelectronic device from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. Theanti-theft device includes a shroud configured to at least partiallyreceive and engage a portable electronic device; and a dock configuredto releasably engage the shroud, the dock configured to engage theshroud in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal of the shroudand the portable electronic device from the dock and to disengage theshroud in an unlocked configuration so as to allow the shroud and theportable electronic device to be removed from the dock.

In another embodiment, an anti-theft device for protecting a portableelectronic device from theft or unauthorized removal in a retailenvironment is provided. The anti-theft device includes a shroudconfigured to at least partially receive and engage a portableelectronic device. The shroud includes a wireless communicationsinterface that is configured to communicate and be paired with theportable electronic device. The anti-theft device also includes a dockconfigured to releasably engage the shroud. The dock is configured toengage the shroud in a locked configuration so as to prevent removal ofthe shroud and the portable electronic device from the dock and todisengage the shroud in an unlocked configuration so as to allow theshroud and the portable electronic device to be removed from the dock.

In one embodiment, an anti-theft device for securing a portableelectronic device from unauthorized removal or theft is provided. Theanti-theft device includes a shroud configured to at least partiallyreceive and engage a portable electronic device, the shroud comprising awireless communications interface configured to communicate and bepaired with the portable electronic device. The anti-theft device alsoincludes a dock configured to releasably engage the shroud, the dockconfigured to engage the shroud in a locked configuration so as toprevent removal of the shroud and the portable electronic device fromthe dock and to disengage the shroud in an unlocked configuration so asto allow the shroud and the portable electronic device to be removedfrom the dock.

In one embodiment, a method for securing a portable electronic devicefrom unauthorized removal or theft is provided. The method includespositioning a portable electronic device within the shroud, the shroudcomprising a wireless communications interface configured to communicateand be paired with the portable electronic device. The method alsoincludes positioning the shroud and the portable electronic device on adock such that the shroud and the portable electronic device are lockedto the dock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an anti-theft device according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a dock and shroud shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the dock shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the dock shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates embodiment rear perspective view of the dock shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a shroud and a hub memberaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates the shroud and a hub member of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an anti-theft device accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the anti-theft deviceshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a shroud and a handle according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a gang charger according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the gang charger of FIG.11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a gang charger according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of a dock according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an enlarged view of the dock shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a dock according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view of a shroud with an EMV interfaceaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a plan view of the shroud that is opposite to theplan view shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 illustrates an end view of the shroud shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 illustrates a partial view of a shroud with an EMV interfaceaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge connectionaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a shroud with a hinge connected to an EMV interfacein each of a closed position, partially open position, and an openposition according to one embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates an enlarged view of a shroud with a hinge connectedto an EMV interface in each of a closed position, partially openposition, and an open position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates another perspective view of the adapter shown inFIG. 24.

FIG. 26 illustrates the adapters of FIG. 24 prior to connection with aportable electronic device.

FIG. 27 illustrates the portable electronic device connected to theadapters of FIG. 24 prior to engagement with a shroud according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures whereinidentical reference numerals denote the same or similar parts, elements,components, assemblies, subassemblies or the like throughout the variousviews. The attached drawing figures show exemplary embodiments of ananti-theft device 10 for protecting a portable electronic device 15, forexample, a tablet, against theft or unauthorized removal. As usedherein, the term “tablet” is intended to include without limitation alltypes of portable, personal computers, for example, laptop, notebook,mini-notebook, sub-notebook and netbook type computers, as well aspersonal data assistant (PDA) and personal mobile communications (e.g.,cell phone) type devices. The anti-theft device 10 may be suitable foruse by customers or employees, such as a retail store associate, ateacher, a nurse, a doctor, a maintenance worker, or an airlinepilot/attendant, in a variety of locations and environments.

FIG. 1 shows a portable electronic device 15, and in particular atablet, for use with an anti-theft device 10 according to the invention.In one embodiment, the anti-theft device 10 includes a shroud 20, frame,sleeve, or the like that is configured to be attached to the portableelectronic device 15 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-2). The shroud 20 is configuredto at least partially receive and surround the portable electronicdevice 15. According to one embodiment, the shroud 20 comprises a firstportion 24 and a second portion 28 that that are configured to engagewith one another (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-7). First portion 24 and secondportion 28 of shroud 20 may be made of a formable, substantially rigidmaterial, such as hard plastic, composite, or thin sheet metal. Firstportion 24 includes peripheral sides and a peripheral end that overlieand enclose the opposite sides and an end of the portable electronicdevice 15. Likewise, second portion 28 is provided with peripheral sidesand a peripheral end that overlie and enclose the opposite sides and theother end of the portable electronic device 15. First portion 24 andsecond portion 28 may be secured together with portable electronicdevice 15 disposed therein and contained by the peripheral sides andperipheral ends by mechanical fasteners. The fasteners may be providedwith a tamper-proof head that requires a customized tool that is notreadily available to others so that the fasteners cannot be easilyremoved by a potential thief. Alternatively, the fasteners may bepositioned on the first portion 24 and the second portion 28 so as to beinaccessible when the shroud 20 containing the portable electronicdevice 15 is locked in place on the dock 50, as will be described.

As previously mentioned, the anti-theft device 10 may further include adock 50, stand, base, or the like for receiving and supporting theportable electronic device 15. The dock 50 may be configured totemporarily secure the portable electronic device 15 thereto. In turn,the dock 50 may be configured to be fixed to a support surface, such asa fixture, a counter, a wall, or the like, for example, with one or morefasteners and/or adhesive. In some instances, the portable electronicdevice 15 is configured to be readily placed on the dock 50 and removedby an authorized user. For example, a retail store associate may utilizea portable electronic device 15 for point-of-sale transactions and wishto temporarily secure the device against theft or unauthorized removal.As such, the dock 50 may also be configured to be alarmed, locked,and/or otherwise secured so that unauthorized persons cannot remove theportable electronic device 15. In one embodiment, the dock 50 includesan alarming device (e.g., an alarm and monitoring electronics)configured to arm when the portable electronic device 15 is positionedwithin the dock 50, and to disarm when the portable electronic device isremoved by an authorized user. The portable electronic device 15 may beoperably engaged with the dock 50 and/or with an alarming device in awireless manner (i.e., no tether is required), although wired means maybe used if desired.

The dock 50 may include various input and/or output connections 62 forcommunicating power, data, and/or security signals with the portableelectronic device 15, shroud 20, and/or dock 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Forinstance, the dock 50 may include various data outputs and videooutputs, such as for communicating with one or more peripheral devices(e.g., a keyboard, mouse, etc.). Moreover, the dock 50 may include oneor more data ports (e.g., USB ports) for communicating with the portableelectronic device 15, such as for receiving data from or providing datato the portable electronic device 15.

The dock 50 may include alarm and monitoring electronics for activatingthe alarm in the event that the shroud 20 and the portable electronicdevice 15 are detached from the dock 50 in an unauthorized manner Themonitoring electronics may be configured to monitor one or more sensorsor switches and to activate an audible or visible alarm signal inresponse to a security event. Moreover, the dock 50 may include aprocessor or controller that is operably engaged with the monitoringelectronics, a motor, switches, an alarm, etc.

FIGS. 3-5 show an embodiment of a dock 50 configured to support andsecure the shroud 20 and portable electronic device 15, although othershapes and configurations are possible for supporting a variety ofportable electronic devices 15. In this example, the dock 50 includes abase member 52, a stand member 54, and an engagement member 56. The basemember 52 may be configured to be secured to a support surface.Moreover, the dock 50 may be configured to support the portableelectronic device 15 in one of a plurality of desired orientations(e.g., portrait or landscape). Alternatively, the shroud 20 may beconfigured to rotate about the dock 50 so as to be positioned in anydesired orientation (e.g., rotatable 360 degrees).

In another embodiment, the shroud 20 may be configured to have aplurality of degrees of freedom relative to the dock 50. For example,the shroud 20 may be configured to rotate about at least two axes ofrotation. FIGS. 3-4 show an embodiment where the shroud 20 is configuredto rotate about three axes of rotation. In this regard, the engagementmember 56 of the dock 50 may be configured to rotate about one axisrelative to the stand member 54, the base member 52 of the dock 50 maybe configured to rotate about a second axis relative to the supportsurface, and the stand member 54 may be configured to rotate about athird axis relative to the base member 52. As such, a user is able toreadily adjust the position of the portable electronic device 15 and thedock 50.

In one embodiment, the engagement member 56 may be configured to rotatebetween predetermined stop positions (e.g., between portrait andlandscape orientations). Thus, in some cases, the engagement member 56may be limited to less than a full rotation relative to the stand member54. For example, the engagement member 56 may include a plate 56 ahaving a plurality of notches 56 b formed therein. The stand member 54may include an actuator 23 connected to a spring rod 56 c. When a userengages and compresses the actuator 23, the spring rod 56 c isconfigured to rotate in unison with the plate 56 a until the spring rod56 c encounters and engages with at least one of the plurality ofnotches 56 b. At this time, rotation of the shroud 20 with respect tothe stand member 54 is prevented until the actuator 23 is compressedagain to prompt rotation of the shroud 20. In some embodiments, theplurality of notches 56 b are disposed at predetermined 90° intervalsthereby limiting each rotational movement of the shroud 20 to only 90°at a time. In some embodiments, the shroud 20 is only able to rotate amaximum of 180° with respect to the stand member 54. In one embodiment,the engagement member 56 may include a conduit engaged with a PCBcontained therein. The conduit may have a centralized port configured toreceive wires/cables routed therethrough. The conduit allows for thewires/cables to move in unison as the engagement member 56 rotatesthereby preventing the wires/cables from tangling and/or undergoingundue stress.

In some embodiments, the stand member 54 may be configured to pivotrelative to the base member 52 between predetermined angles (see, e.g.,FIG. 16), and the base member 52 may be configured to rotate relative tothe support surface between predetermined angular positions. Forexample, the stand member 54 may include an angular attachment 54 aconnected to a plurality of spaced arm brackets 54 b by a fastener 54 c.In this example, a pair of spaced arm brackets 54 b are employed. Whenthe stand member 54 is pivoted with respect to the base member 52, thefastener 54 c rides along and symmetrically follows an arc shaped slot54 d formed in both arm brackets 54 b. As the fastener 54 c reaches anuppermost portion of the slot 54 d, the stand member 54 is preventedfrom pivoting any further. Similarly, as the fastener 54 c reaches alowermost portion of the slot 54 d, the stand member 54 is preventedfrom pivoting any further. Additionally, angular attachment 54 a may bepositioned between the two arm brackets 54 b. Arm brackets 54 b may beangled inwardly towards one another to thereby engage with the angularattachment 54 a. As such, arm brackets 54 b may be configured to act asa friction mechanism thereby adding resistance between the angularattachment 54 a and the arm brackets 54 b and creating a friction fitbetween the stand member 54 and the base member 52 in order to maintainthe stand member at a desired angle. The arm brackets 54 b create enoughresistance to maintain the stand member 54 at a desired angle withrespect to the base member 52, but the resistance is able to be overcometo move the stand member 54, but not allowing the stand member 54 tomove freely with respect to the base member 52.

In some embodiments, the base member 52 includes an upper base member 52a and a lower base member 52 b wherein the upper base member 52 a isconfigured to rotate relative to the lower base member 52 b. In thisinstance, the lower base member 52 b is stationary with respect to theupper base member 52 a and the support surface. As such, an input and/oroutput connection 62 contained in the lower base member 52 b may beconfigured to be stationary and fixed in one direction. In someembodiments, one or more input and/or output connections 62 may belocated on an outer surface of the lower base member 52 b, and the lowerbase member 52 b may include one or more slots formed in a bottomsurface thereof such that wires and/or cables extending from the inputand/or output connections 62 may be routed and extended through anopening formed in the support surface. This allows for a clean andpresentable look wherein wires and/or cables are hidden from view.

In some embodiments, the shroud 20 may include a hub member 22 or otherengagement member 56 that is configured to mate with a correspondingengagement member 56 of the dock 50. The hub member 22 may be releasablyattached to the shroud 20 in some cases such that the hub member 22 maybe attached and detached from the shroud 20 (e.g., via one or moreproprietary fasteners). Thus, the hub member 22 may be adaptable tovarious types of shrouds 20 in some embodiments. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 6-7, the hub member 22 may have a “dovetail” shape that isconfigured to engage a corresponding engagement member 56 having asimilar dovetail shape. The hub member 22 may be configured toreleasably engage the engagement member 56, such as in a snap fit, andbe locked to the dock 50 as explained in further detail below. Forexample, FIG. 3 shows that the engagement member 56 may include a lockmechanism 58 configured to engage the hub member 22 in a lockedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the hub member 22 may be configured to allow theshroud 20 to rotate when the shroud 20 is not positioned on the dock 50.For example, the hub member 22 may include an inner plate 22 aconcentric with an outer plate 22 b (see FIG. 18) wherein rotation ofouter plate 22 b with respect to the inner plate 22 a causes the shroud20 to rotate. The inner plate 22 a and/or the outer plate 22 b mayinclude a plurality of detents which facilitates “soft” intermittentstops as the shroud 20 rotates. In this regard, a user can remove theshroud 20 from the dock 50 and readily adjust the position of theportable electronic device 15 in a portrait, landscape, or otherorientation as needed. In one embodiment, the inner plate 22 a and/orthe outer plate 22 b may include at least one detent at the “home”position which indicates a “hard” stop thereby allowing the shroud 20 tobe in position for docking.

In some embodiments, the hub member 22 may also be configured to housevarious electronic components, such as circuitry or printed circuitboard, a wireless communications interface, data input and/or outputs,an alarm, and/or a power source. For example, the hub member 22 mayinclude a Bluetooth module configured to be paired with and communicatewith the portable electronic device 15, as also explained in furtherdetail below. The data input and/or outputs may allow for interfacingwith one or more peripheral devices. In some cases, the hub member 22may be configured to engage one or more accessories. In someembodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 18 an outer plate 22 b of the hubmember 22 may include apertures 22 c configured to be engaged with ahandle 32. Handle 32 allows a user the flexibility of using the portableelectronic device 15 removed from the dock. Moreover, the shroud 20and/or hub member 22 may include an alarm for generating an audibleand/or a visible signal. In some cases, the system 10 may leverage theportable electronic device 15 for generating an alarm signal, such byemitting an alarm signal via a speaker in the tablet.

In other embodiments, the shroud 20 may be configured to accommodate oneor more accessories. For instance, FIGS. 8-9 show that the shroud 20 mayinclude a mobile payment terminal interface, such as an EMV interface44, for receiving a mobile payment device or terminal, such as an EMVreader 45. The EMV interface 44 may be integrally formed with the shroud20 in some cases, or the EMV interface 44 may be attached to the shroud20. For example, the EMV interface 44 may be pivotally attached to theshroud 44 with a hinge 46 such that the EMV interface 44 may be movedbetween use and non-use states. As shown in FIG. 9, the shroud 20 maydefine a recess 48 that is configured to receive the EMV reader 45 in anon-use position. When a user desires to use the EMV reader 45, the EMVreader 45 may be readily pivoted out of the recess 48. The EMV interface44 is configured to interface with any number of EMV readers 45,although in some cases, the EMV interface 44 may be customized for aparticular type of EMV reader 45. In some embodiments, the EMV interface44 may be removably attached to the shroud 20 and may be interchangeablewith another different EMV interface 44. Thus, the shroud 20 may beconfigured to accommodate different types of EMV readers 45. Inaddition, the dock 50 may be configured to accommodate any type ofportable electronic device 15, shroud 20, and/or EMV reader 45. The EMVinterface 44 may be configured to receive and engage the EMV reader,such as in a snap fit. The EMV interface 44 may also include an actuator44 a such as a micro-switch, wherein the actuator 44 a is configured todetect if the EMV reader 45 is engaged with the EMV interface 44. Theactuator 44 a may facilitate communication with the EMV interface 44,such as to enable power and/or data to be transferred to the EMV reader45 when the EMV reader is disposed within the EMV interface 44 and todisable power and/or data transfer to the EMV reader 45 when the EMVreader 45 is removed from the EMV interface 44.

In some embodiments, the EMV interface 44 may be configured to besecured in an open or use position and a closed or non-use position(see, e.g., FIG. 22). For instance, the hinge 46 may include a holdingmechanism 80 configured to bias and/or hold the EMV interface 44 in theopen position such that the EMV interface 44 will not move to the closedposition without applying a predetermined amount of force. In otherwords, the EMV interface 44 will remain in the open position during usewithout user intervention. Similarly, the holding mechanism 80 may beconfigured to bias and/or hold the EMV interface 44 in the closedposition. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the holding mechanism 80and hinge 46 may include one or more detents 82 configured to engage oneanother in the open and closed positions. When the hinge 46 is betweenthe open and closed positions, the detents 82 are not in engagement withone another, and the hinge 46 is freely rotatably relative to the shroud20. Thus, when the detents 82 mate with and engage one another, thedetents 82 are configured to hold the EMV interface 44 in an open orclosed position. The holding force between the detents 82 may beovercome by rotating the EMV interface 44 whereby the detents 82 areconfigured to cam against one another for allowing the EMV interface 44to rotate relative to the hinge 46.

In one embodiment, the hinge 46 may facilitate an electrical connectionbetween the shroud 20 and the EMV interface 44. In this regard, one ormore electrical conductors 49 (e.g., wires) may be configured to berouted between a PCB 47 located within the hub member 22 and a PCB 47located within the EMV interface 44 (see, e.g., FIGS. 20-21). In thisway, no wires are visible and do not interfere with the operation orhandling of the shroud 20. In addition, the electrical conductors 49undergo limited stress due to the conductors 49 extending along the axisof the hinge 46. For example, the hinge 46 may be hollow and allow oneor more wires 49 to be routed therethough, while the ends of the wire(s)are electrically connected to the PCBs 47 in the EMV interface 44 andthe hub member 22. Additionally, in some embodiments, the shroud 20 mayinclude slots defined therein such that conductors may be routedtherethrough and connected directly to the portable electronic device 15housed within the shroud 20. In some embodiments, conductors may beconfigured to be routed through the slots and then routed through thehinge 46 to facilitate an electrical connection with the EMV interface44. The electrical connection between the PCBs 47 may allow the EMVreader 45 to be charged and/or transfer data while the shroud 20 isengaged with the dock 50. As shown in FIG. 17, the EMV interface 44 mayinclude one or more electrical contacts 51 for facilitating such anelectrical connection, while the shroud 20 may include a connector 53(see FIG. 20) configured to engage an associated connector 55 on thedock 50 (see, e.g., FIG. 15). The engagement member 56 may be sized andconfigured to receive the hub member 22 in a sliding engagement suchthat the connectors 53, 55 align and engage one another when the shroud20 is seated on the dock 50.

The dock 50 may include a mechanical mechanism or sensor, such as apressure or plunger switch, operably engaged with the alarm andmonitoring electronics that is configured to activate in response toengagement and disengagement with the portable electronic device 15and/or the shroud 20. Likewise, the dock 50 may include a mechanicalmechanism or sensor 63 that is configured to sense if the dock 50 hasbeen removed from a support surface in an unauthorized manner Themechanical mechanism or sensor 63 may also be configured to carry outother functions as detailed below. The authorized user may utilize akey, pass code, RFID, or the like to unlock the portable electronicdevice 15 and shroud 20 from the dock 50 and/or to disarm the alarm andmonitoring electronics.

In some cases, the shroud 20 may only be unlocked when the engagementmember 56 is in a predetermined location, which may be referred to asthe “home” position, see, e.g., FIGS. 14-15. Thus, should the engagementmember 56 be rotated away from the “home” position, the shroud 20 maynot be able to be removed from the dock 50, which may be due to theinability of a lock mechanism 58 to be actuated in particular positions.In one embodiment, the dock 50 may include a sensing device (e.g., amechanical switch) that is configured to detect the rotational positionof the engagement member 56 relative to the stand member 54. Forinstance, a mechanical switch may be configured to be actuated when theengagement member 56 is not in the home position, while the switch isnot actuated when in the home position.

In some embodiments, the dock 50 is configured to power and/or charge aportable electronic device 15 that is docked on the dock 50. In thiscase, the anti-theft device 10 may include a power cord (see FIGS. 14and 16) coupled to the dock 50, inductive charging functionality, or acontact charging functionality. For example, the dock 50 may pass powerto the portable electronic device 15 and/or EMV reader 45 via the shroud20 that is connected to a power input port of the portable electronicdevice 15 via a connector 36. When the shroud 20 is docked on the dock50, the dock 50 is configured to pass power to the shroud 20, theportable electronic device 15, and/or the EMV interface 44. An LED orother signaling device may be used to indicate that the anti-theftdevice 10 is armed. In addition, the alarm and monitoring electronicsmay be configured to generate an alarm signal (e.g., an audible and/orvisible alarm) in response to unauthorized removal of the portableelectronic device 15, shroud 20, and/or EMV reader 45 from the dock 50.

In one embodiment, FIG. 6 shows a shroud 20 that includes one or moreelectrical contact(s) 34 for electrically communicating withcorresponding electrical contact(s) 57 on the dock 50. The contacts 34may be located on the hub member 22 in some cases, or in otherembodiments, the contacts 34 may be located on any other desiredlocation on the shroud 20. The shroud 20 may include a connector 59(see, e.g., FIG. 17) for engaging a power and/or input port on theportable electronic device 15. The shroud 20 may include one or moreelectrical conductors 49 (e.g., power and ground) extending between thecontact(s) 34 and the connector 59. The connector 59 may be any suitableconnector configured to engage a power and/or input port of the portableelectronic device 15, for example a micro-USB or USB-C connector. Theelectrical conductors 49 between the contacts 34 of the shroud 20 andthe corresponding contacts 57 provided on the dock 50 may also define adetectable sense loop that is in electrical connection with themonitoring electronics. Thus, should the shroud 20 be removed from thedock 50 in an unauthorized manner (e.g., without first disarming themonitoring electronics with a key), the monitoring electronics may sensethe break in the sense loop and generate an alarm signal. Similarly, theconnector 53 may be configured for electrically connecting to the EMVreader 45 for communicating (e.g., power and/or data signals) with theportable electronic device 15, shroud 20, and/or dock 50. Moreover, asdiscussed above, the connectors 53, 55 may facilitate communication withthe electronic device 15 and/or EMV reader 45.

In one embodiment, the shroud 20 may facilitate electrical communicationwith the portable electronic device 15 using one or more adapters 66(see FIG. 24). For example, the electronic device 15 may include one ormore input ports for power and/or data communication, and in some cases,the electronic device has a plurality of input ports. In order tofacilitate such communication between the shroud 20 and portableelectronic device 15, the adapter 66 may serve as an interface betweenthe portable electronic device 15 and the shroud 20. The adapter 66 maybe configured to be inserted within an input port of the portableelectronic device 15 or otherwise electrically connect to the input port(see, e.g., FIGS. 26-27). The adapter 66 may include one or moreelectrical contacts 68 that are configured to align with andelectrically connect to one or more corresponding electrical contacts 70within the shroud 20. When the portable electronic device 15 is engagedwith the shroud 20, the electrical contacts 68, 70 are electricallyconnected to one another thereby facilitating an electrical connectionbetween the portable electronic device, the shroud 20, and the dock 50when the shroud 20 is engaged with the dock 50. For example, theelectrical contacts 70 may be electrically connected to one or moreelectrical conductors 49, which may in turn be connected to a PCB withinthe shroud 20. Any number of adapters 66 may be employed depending onthe number of input ports on the electronic device 15. In this way, thenumber and arrangement of wires routed within the shroud 20 may bereduced or eliminated, and the electrical contacts 68 on the adapter 66and electrical contacts 70 may be sized and configured to ensure anadequate electrical connection. Moreover, it is understood that theadapters 66 may employ wireless means in other embodiments, such as viaelectrical inductance or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth).

In some embodiments, the anti-theft device 10 comprises a lock mechanism58 for securing the portable electronic device 15 on the dock 50. Thelock mechanism 58 may include any combination of electrical, magnetic,inductive, and/or mechanical interaction. For example, the lockmechanism 58 may be configured to automatically lock when the portableelectronic device 15 is positioned onto the dock 50. In someembodiments, the lock mechanism 58 may be actuated mechanically and/orelectronically, such as via one or more electrically driven solenoids.For instance, the lock mechanism 58 may include actuator 64 disposed ona portion of the engagement member 56 that is configured to be actuatedin response to engagement with a solenoid. In this example, the actuator64 may be biased towards a locked position such that engagement of theshroud 20 with the dock 50 results in automatically locking the shroud20 to the dock 50. In order to unlock the shroud 20 from the dock 50,the solenoid may be activated to engage the actuator 64 to allow theshroud 20 to be removed from the engagement member 56.

In order to release the shroud 20 and the portable electronic device 15from the dock 50, an authorized user could use an electronic key orother suitable security means (e.g. a pass code) to disarm the alarmingdevice (e.g., alarm and monitoring electronics) and/or disengage thelock mechanism 58. For example, FIGS. 5 and 14 show that the dock 50includes a port 60 for communicating with an electronic key for armingand/or disarming the alarming device.

An unlocking feature for removing the portable electronic device 15 ordisarming the alarming device may take many forms, including thosediscussed above. One embodiment is an electronic key utilizing radiofrequencies, infrared, or some other electronic means to communicatewith the monitoring electronics of the dock 50 and/or the alarmingdevice to allow the portable electronic device 15 to be released. Forexample, the dock 50 may include a port 60 for receiving a signal fromthe electronic key having a unique identifying code recognizable by thedock 50, but otherwise unrecognizable by other docks 50 not associatedwith the code (e.g., in other departments or stores). In someembodiments, the portable electronic device 15 can be armed, disarmed,and/or silenced with the key, which may utilize mechanical, wireless,and/or electrical communication between the portable electronic device15 and the security key. In additional embodiments, the portableelectronic device 15 and/or dock 50 may include near field communication(NFC) functionality and be configured to communicate with the key or analarming device having NFC functionality for arming and disarming theportable electronic device 15 and/or dock 50. Alternatively, thealarming device may include “screen swipe” functionality and beconfigured to sense particular movement or motion of the portableelectronic device 15 and/or the key to arm or disarm the portableelectronic device 15 and/or dock 50. Likewise, the portable electronicdevice 15 and/or key may include biometric functionality for recognizinga particular user to arm or disarm the portable electronic device 15and/or dock 50. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the dock 50 mayinclude a mechanical mechanism or sensor 63. In some embodiments,successive actuations of the mechanical mechanism or sensor 63 within apredetermined time (e.g., five or more actuations within at least 10seconds) automatically resets the code or like authorization informationsuch that a retail store or establishment would need to reprogram thedock with the prior code, a new code, or like authorization information.

As discussed above, the hub member 22 may include a wirelesscommunications interface for communicating with the portable electronicdevice 15. In one embodiment, the hub member 22 includes a Bluetooth orBluetooth Low Energy module configured to be paired with and communicatewith the portable electronic device 15 via Bluetooth. For example, theportable electronic device 15 may include a software applicationconfigured to facilitate communication with the hub member 22 forfacilitating locking or unlocking the lock mechanism 58. Thus, throughthe use of the software application, a user may be prompted with aninput command, such as to enter an access code, present a key, providebiometric identification, etc., which allows the Bluetooth module in theportable electronic device 15 to communicate with the Bluetooth modulein the hub member 22. An unlock command received by the hub member 22may in turn be communicated to the dock 50 to unlock the lock mechanism58. The Bluetooth modules may be configured to be paired to one anotherwhen the shroud 20 is placed on the dock 50 such that a portableelectronic device 15 and shroud 20 pair may be used with any dock 50. Insome cases, the Bluetooth module and the hub member 22 are configured toautomatically paired together when the portable electronic device 15 ispositioned within the shroud 20, while in other cases, the user may beprompted to initiate pairing with the shroud 20. In one embodiment, theshroud 20 may include an actuator (e.g., a push button) to facilitatepairing between the shroud 20 and the portable electronic device 15. Theshroud 20 may also include an indicator (e.g., an LED) to indicate thatthe pairing process is in progress and/or complete. In some embodiments,the actuator may also be used for other purposes such as for togglingthe alarm mechanism in the dock 50 from an active mode (e.g., whereinthe alarm is configured to generate an audible and/or visible signal inresponse to a security event) to a silent mode (e.g., wherein the alarmwill not generate an audible and/or visual signal but sends a message toan authorized person). In other embodiments, the software applicationmay facilitate direct communication between the portable electronicdevice and the dock 50 using wired connections and without the use ofBluetooth.

In some embodiments, the hub member 22 includes a wirelesscommunications interface that is configured to generate a signal that isdetectable by the portable electronic device 15. For example, thewireless communications interface may function as a “tower 72” (seeFIG. 1) that communicates signals, such as a signal including anidentifier, and the portable electronic device 15 is configured todetect the signal and be paired with the detected wirelesscommunications interface and associated shroud 20. The portableelectronic device 15 may be configured to be paired to the hub member 22having a particular identifier. The wireless communications interfacemay be configured to generate the signal at any appropriate time, suchas upon docking the shroud 20 on the dock 50. For instance, docking theshroud 20 on the dock 50 may allow for power to be delivered to thewireless communications interface for generating detectable signals.

In some embodiments, the anti-theft device 10 may further include a“gang charger” 100 configured to receive a plurality of portableelectronic devices 15. As shown in FIG. 11, the gang charger 100 mayinclude a plurality of shelves 102 for receiving and supporting acorresponding number of shrouds 20 and portable electronic devices 15.The gang charger 100 may be configured to provide power to the portableelectronic devices 15. In some cases, the gang charger 100 may includean engagement member 156 (see FIG. 13) similar to the dock 50 forengaging and electrically connecting to the shroud 20. For example, eachshelf 102 may include a dovetail engagement member 156 for engaging asimilar dovetail hub member 22 on the shroud 20. The gang charger 100may be configured to be mounted to a horizontal support surface or avertical support surface, and may be self-supported in some cases.Moreover, the shelves 102 may have various configurations, such asvertically arranged shelves 102, and may be disposed at an anglerelative to horizontal (e.g., less than about 20 degrees) forfacilitating insertion and supporting of the shroud 20 and portableelectronic device 15 on the shelf 102.

In one embodiment, the gang charger 100 also includes a lock mechanism158 (see FIG. 13) for locking each of the shrouds 20 and portableelectronic devices 15. The lock mechanism 158 may be similar to thatused to lock individual shrouds 20 to a dock 50 as discussed above. Forexample, each shelf 102 may include a solenoid configured to be actuatedfor locking or unlocking the shroud 20 to the shelf 102. Each shelf 102may include a respective lock mechanism 158 such that individual shrouds20 may be locked and unlocked independently of one another.Alternatively, multiple shrouds 20 may be configured to be locked andunlocked using a single lock mechanism 158. In either case, unlockingthe lock mechanism 158 allows the shroud 20 and portable electronicdevice 15 to be removed from the shelf 102. Moreover, where individuallock mechanisms 158 are employed, additional shrouds 20 may be added toor removed from the gang charger 100 without having to lock or unlockother shrouds 20 disposed within the gang charger 100. In some cases,inserting a shroud 20 into engagement with a shelf 102 results in theshroud 20 being automatically locked to the shelf 102. Each shroud 20and respective shelf 102 may be operated in such a manner In someembodiments, an authorized user could use an electronic key or othersuitable security means (e.g. a pass code) to lock or unlock the lockmechanism 158. For example, FIG. 13 shows an embodiment where the gangcharger 100 includes a transfer port 108 for communicating with a keyfor unlocking each of the shrouds 20. In other embodiments, a manualactuator may be employed at the location of the transfer port 108 formanually unlocking the lock mechanism 158. Sometimes the manual actuatorand transfer port 108 may be both present, such as where a user desiresto use one of the two different options. In one embodiment, the manualactuator is rendered inoperable once the transfer port 108 communicateswith an electronic key. Thus, at that time, only an electronic key maybe used to unlock the lock mechanism 158. The lock mechanism 158 mayalso be configured to automatically relock in the event that removal ofa portable electronic device 15 is detected. For example, when the lockmechanism 158 is unlocked and a shroud 20/portable electronic device 15are removed, the lock mechanism 158 automatically relocks upon removal.Thus, additional shrouds 20/portable electronic devices 15 cannot beremoved without again unlocking the lock mechanism 158. In someembodiments, the lock mechanism 158 may be configured to relock after apredetermined period of time after unlocking (e.g., less than about 10seconds).

Power may be provided to the portable electronic devices 15 dockedwithin the gang charger 100 using a variety of techniques. In somecases, power is cycled to simplify the system and reduce the amount ofheat generated in the gang charger 100. The gang charger 100 may beconfigured to provide power to portable electronic devices 15 havingdifferent voltage requirements (e.g., 5V and 12V). In one embodiment,the gang charger 100 may include one or more voltage regulators. Aplurality of voltage regulators may be used for regulating power to oneor more portable electronic devices 15, as well as an EMV reader 45 whenpresent. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-13, fiveshelves 102 are provided, and three voltage regulators may be provided,wherein two of the regulators are each paired with two shelves 102, andthe third regulator is paired with one shelf 102 and any EMV readers 45when present. The gang charger 100 may be configured to acquireidentifying information and/or voltage requirements from the shroud 20to determine the amount of voltage to deliver to the portable electronicdevice. Moreover, the gang charger 100 may include one or more LEDs orvisual indicators 110 for indicating the status of any portableelectronic devices 15, such as that the portable electronic device 15 isdocked, charging, and/or is fully charged.

In further embodiments, the gang charger 100 may be configured toprovide auditing information. For instance, the gang charger 100 may beconfigured to store various types of information, such as the date andtime that a lock mechanism 158 is locked and/or unlocked, a date andtime that a tablet is returned to a shelf 102, the number of unlockingand/or locking events, an identifier for each tablet and/or shroud 20that is removed or inserted, and/or an identifier for a key that unlocksthe lock mechanism 158. Thus, specific information regarding a shroud 20and/or tablet may be gathered. The information may be stored in a memorywhich may be located at any desired location, including in the lockmechanism 158. The stored information may be transferred to a key uponcommunication with the gang charger 100 and/or a remote location ordevice for reviewing the information. For example, the gang charger 100may have wireless communications circuitry for communicating theinformation to a remote computing device. Auditing may allow for chainof custody controls and accountability by users of the tablets. The dock50 may be configured to temporarily store data prior to transmitting thedata to a remote location or device for review of the data.

In some embodiments, a plurality of gang chargers 100 may be employed,such as within a retail store. In some cases, each shroud 20 isconfigured to be docked to any one of the gang chargers 100. Whereauditing is enabled, the gang chargers 100 may be connected via anetwork such that data may be gathered when a shroud 20 is docked on anyone of the gang chargers 100. As such, useful data may be providedregardless of which gang charger 100 is used.

In one embodiment, the tablet and the dock 50 are configured tocommunicate with one another. For example, the dock 50 may be configuredto request various information from the tablet while the shroud 20 isdocked on the dock 50. The dock 50 could request information regardingthe identification of the tablet, the battery life of the tablet, etc.Moreover, the dock 50 may be configured to gather other information,such as the time of docking or undocking of the shroud 20 on the dock50, as well as an identifier for a key that is used to unlock a shroud20 from a stand. The dock 50 may be configured to store the data and/orcommunicate the data to a remote location or device.

In some embodiments, the shroud 20 may include a sensor 26 (see FIG. 6).The sensor 26 may be configured to detect when the sensor is inproximity to a particular location, such as for example, aningress/egress location or exit in a retail store. The sensor 26 may beconfigured to wirelessly communicate with one or more monitoring or basestations 70, such as via ultra-wideband (“UWB”) or received signalstrength indicator (“RSSI”) communications. In addition, one or moresensors 26 may be configured to communicate with a monitoring or basestation 70. Thus, in addition or as an alternative, the sensor 26 may beconfigured to be detected for initiating a security signal when detectedby the monitoring or base station 70, such as an EAS tower or gate. Thesecurity signal may be generated by the monitoring or base station 70 atany desired location. In one case, the monitoring or base station 70 maybe located near or at an exit of the retail store, and may be configuredto communicate with the sensor 26 and determine that the sensor 26 iswithin the predetermined distance or range. Distance could be determinedusing any one or combination of techniques, such as via signal strengthbetween the monitoring component and the sensor. If the monitoring orbase station 70 determines that the sensor 70 is within thepredetermined distance or range, the sensor and/or the monitoring orbase station 70 may be configured to generate a security signal.Therefore, only when the sensor 26 is moved close to the monitoring orbase station 70 will a security event result. In the case where thesensor 26 alarms when moved within the predetermined distance or rangeof the monitoring or base station 70, retail associates are alerted to apotential theft and can readily identify the merchandise attached to thesensor 26. In one example, the sensor 26 and/or monitoring or basestation 70 may be configured to cease generating a security signal whenthe sensor 26 is moved from within the predetermined distance or rangeto outside the predetermined distance or range. In some embodiments, thesensor 26 and monitoring or base station 70 may be similar to thatdisclosed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/072,233, filed on Oct.28, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/184,686, filed on Jun.25, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

In one embodiment, the dock 50 is configured to provide a “seed code” tothe shroud 20 and/or hub member 22 so that a shroud 20 and/or hub member22 is able to determine which system it is part of by virtue of everhaving been docked on a dock 50 that had been previously communicatedwith by a coded key. For example, each seed code may be associated witha particular retail store or establishment. Thus, the seed code may beused for association with the shroud 20 and/or hub member 22 in order tocommunicate with any dock 50 on which it is placed.

In another embodiment, the system may be configured to locate a shroud20 and/or hub member 22 that a user believes is lost or missing. A dock50 or monitoring or base station 70 may be configured to carry out arequest, known as a roll call request. Such a roll call request mayoccur when a key communicates with the dock 50 or monitoring or basestation 70 and instructs the same to go into a roll call request mode.The dock 50 or monitoring or base station 70 may be configured to sendout simultaneous requests via wireless communication (e.g., UWB) to eachshroud 20 and/or hub member 22 containing the same matching seed codeand asks for a report back. If a shroud 20 is not docked on a dock 50 organg charger 100, then the hub member 22 may be configured to generatean audible and/or visible signal for notifying the user. The user mayactivate communication from the hub member 22 (e.g., by pressing andholding a button on the hub member 22 for a predetermined period oftime), such that the hub member 22 is configured to report back to thedock 50 or monitoring or base station 70 that it is accounted for (i.e.,a user is using it and it is not lost). If a shroud 20 is already on adock 50 or gang charger 100, then the hub member 22 may be configured toautomatically report back to the monitoring or base station 70 that itis secure and therefore not lost.

After a predetermine period of time for the monitoring or base station70 waiting for “roll call request” responses (e.g., either human ormachine), any shroud 20 that has not reported back, may be sent acommand to generate a louder, more frequent alarming signal so that anassociate can follow the sound trail to locate the missing shroud 20 andtablet. Once located, the user may press and hold a button on the shroud20 and/or hub member 22 to indicate back to the monitoring or basestation 70 that it has been found via wireless communication.Alternatively, docking the shroud 20 on a dock 50 or gang charger 100may also report back a “found” message to the monitoring or base station70.

In some embodiments, the hub member 22 may be configured to determineits own battery life and at some level prior to full discharge, the hubmember 22 may send a message to the monitoring or base station 70. Themonitoring or base station 70 may be configured to record the “lastknown distance” of the shroud 20 at time of power loss, such as via atime of flight calculation between the monitoring or base station 70 andthe shroud 20. This distance value may be stored and communicated viavarious techniques, such as wirelessly to a server and/or sending auser/manager a text message with the distance value so that if theshroud 20 ultimately loses power before a user can invoke a “roll callrequest” mode, the user at least has knowledge of a distance away fromthe monitoring or base station 70 for initiating a search of itslocation.

In some cases, the hub member 22 may be configured to enter a “lowpower” mode once it has determined its remaining battery life. The hubmember 22 may be configured to send a message to a user/manager at whichpoint the user would know to go to the monitoring or base station 70 sothat they could initiate a “roll call request” function described above.Since the hub member 22 is already in a “low power mode”, which it hadpreviously communicated to the monitoring or base station 70, themonitoring or base station 70 is now in a “waiting patiently” modeknowing that the particular hub member 22 may not immediately reportback as it is configured to temporarily cycle between a “low power mode”and a “standard power mode” to determine whether the hub member 22 hasreceived a “roll call request” from the monitoring or base station 70.Once the hub member 22 receives the “roll call request” from themonitoring or base station 70 during a “standard power” mode, the hubmember 22 may be configured to immediately generate an alarm signal sothat the user who requested the monitoring or base station 70 to performthis “roll call request” can begin to audibly locate the hub member 22before fully losing power.

In one particular embodiment, the electronic key discussed above issimilar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,845, entitledProgrammable Key for a Security System for Protecting Merchandise, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In someembodiments, the shroud 20, dock 50, and/or electronic key are similarto that disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/059,735, filed on Oct.22, 2013 and entitled Display Stand for a Tablet Computer, and U.S.application Ser. No. 14/300,476, filed on Jun. 10, 2014 and entitledAnti-Theft Device for Portable Electronic Device, the entire disclosuresof which are incorporated by reference herein.

The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of an anti-theftdevice for protecting a portable electronic device, for example, atablet, from theft or unauthorized removal. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations andmodifications of the invention may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations andmodifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A gang charger for providing power to aplurality of portable electronic devices, the gang charger comprising: aplurality of shrouds each configured to at least partially receive andengage one of the plurality of portable electronic devices; a standcomprising a plurality of shelves, each shelf configured to receive andengage one of the plurality of shrouds; and a lock mechanism for lockingeach of the shrouds to a respective shelf.
 2. The gang charger of claim1, wherein the lock mechanism is configured to lock each of the shroudsto respective shelves simultaneously.
 3. The gang charger of claim 1,wherein the lock mechanism is configured to lock each of the shrouds torespective shelves independently of one another.
 4. The gang charger ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of shrouds comprises a hub memberconfigured to releasably engage a respective shelf.
 5. The gang chargerof claim 4, wherein each shelf comprising an engagement memberconfigured to releasably engage a respective hub member.
 6. The gangcharger of claim 5, wherein each engagement member and each hub membercomprises one or more electrical contacts for transferring powertherebetween.
 7. The gang charger of claim 1, wherein the lock mechanismis configured to communicate with an electronic key for unlocking atleast one of the shrouds from a respective shelf.
 8. The gang charger ofclaim 1, wherein the lock mechanism comprises a manual actuator forunlocking at least one of the shrouds from a respective shelf.
 9. Thegang charger of claim 1, further comprising at least one voltageregulator configured to regulate voltage provided to each of theportable electronic devices.
 10. The gang charger of claim 9, furthercomprising a plurality of voltage regulators.
 11. A method for providingpower to a plurality of portable electronic devices, the methodcomprising: inserting each of the plurality of portable electronicdevices into engagement with a respective shroud; and positioning eachof the shrouds on a respective shelf such that each of the shrouds locksto a respective shelf with a lock mechanism.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising causing the lock mechanism to become unlocked forremoving one or more of the shrouds and respective portable electronicdevice.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein causing comprising causingthe lock mechanism to communicate with an electronic key.
 14. The methodof claim 12, wherein causing comprise manually actuating an actuator.15. The method of claim 11, wherein positioning comprises positioningeach of the shrouds on a respective shelf such that the lock mechanismautomatically locks each of the shrouds simultaneously.
 16. The methodof claim 11, further comprising removing one of the shrouds andrespective portable electronic device from a respective shelf, whereinthe lock mechanism is configured to automatically relock upon removal ofthe shroud and portable electronic device.